Design and build a MIcroturbine
Authors:
Esteban Leon, Anderson Ly , Maryam Shafahi, Vincent Trieu, Steve TsengMentor:
Maryam Shafahi, Assistant Professor, California State Polytechnic University PomonaThe current means of energy distribution relies heavily upon a single power generation station, whose energy is distributed to various units throughout the city. Energy producers must deal with efficiency losses in both production and distribution of energy. By contrast, the distributed energy model takes a different approach by placing small scale energy generation units where power is necessary. This project attempts to help facilitate this model by taking pre existing technologies and designing a micro turbine power generator that outperforms comparable current generators in cost and emissions. A mathematical model will be created to study different aspects of the micro-turbine cycle and the results will be compared to the performance of a prototype to be built. This micro turbine prototype will generate about 15 kW which powers small campus laboratory located at the Cal Poly Pomona Regenerative Center. This project is an ongoing research effort to explore an efficient model for energy distribution. Our preliminary analysis has led us to believe that small gas turbines can deliver energy in a sustainable, eco-friendly, and potentially efficient manner.